News Releases

WASHINGTON – ITI, the global voice of the tech sector, called on Congress to pass bipartisan legislation that was introduced today that can equip students with the skills and education needed to pursue good-paying technical jobs in information technology and advanced manufacturing. The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, introduced by Reps. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act and ensures young people can acquire the skills companies say are needed to fill these jobs and be successful in today’s workforce.

“It’s a paradox that employers are struggling to fill 3.3 million open jobs in the U.S. that require science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills at a time when Americans say they are hungry to see more of these kinds of good-paying jobs,” said ITI Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Andy Halataei. “Computing occupations are the leading source of wage growth in the United States and account for two-thirds of all expected jobs in STEM field. We need to equip our students with the skills and technological literacy they need to successfully compete for these jobs—and for our companies to continue to innovate here and grow our economy.”

ITI notes that tech companies are spending tens of millions on workforce training programs, but given the demand to fill these positions, policymakers must step up their efforts to prepare students to pursue careers in high-demand industries and technical fields.